Factors Influencing Civil Society Success in the Co-Creation of Digital Public Policy

Abstract

Digitalization, broadly defined as the integration of digital technologies into all aspects of life and society, affects the co-production and co-creation of public policies, including stakeholders. Most digital civil society organizations have been set up during the past decade. Therefore, the question arises: What factors determine successful co-creation of digital policies – that is, policies specifically designed to address the challenges and opportunities arising from digitalization itself?

Drawing on data from a survey of 37 Swiss digital civil society organizations and platforms, we studied the capacities of digital civil society in co-creating digital policies.

We conclude that digital civil society is advanced in terms of digital skills. However, more skills are required in communication, policy advocacy, and participation skills to effectively co-create digital public policies.